are swiss army knives legal in ny
In New York State, the legality of Swiss Army knives depends on the specific features of the knife and the location within the state.
New York State Law:
Under New York State law (Penal Law Section 265.01), a "pocket knife" is considered a type of "dangerous knife" if it has a blade that is:
- over 4 inches long, or
- designed to be a "switchblade" or "gravity knife" (i.e., has a spring-loaded or gravity-assisted mechanism to open the blade).
If the Swiss Army knife has a blade that is under 4 inches long and does not have a spring-loaded or gravity-assisted mechanism, it is generally considered to be a permissible pocket knife under New York State law.
New York City Law:
However, if you are planning to carry a Swiss Army knife in New York City, there are additional regulations to be aware of. Under the New York City Administrative Code (Section 10-133), any knife with a blade that is over 2 1/2 inches long is considered a "dangerous knife" and is prohibited.
Therefore, if you plan to carry a Swiss Army knife in New York City, make sure that the blade is under 2 1/2 inches long.
Additional Considerations:
It’s also important to note that certain types of Swiss Army knives may be considered " multi-tools" and may be subject to additional regulations. Additionally, if you are carrying a Swiss Army knife for an unlawful purpose, you could still be charged with a crime.
In summary:
- In New York State (outside of NYC), a Swiss Army knife is generally permissible if the blade is under 4 inches long and does not have a spring-loaded or gravity-assisted mechanism.
- In New York City, a Swiss Army knife is generally permissible if the blade is under 2 1/2 inches long.
- It’s always a good idea to check with local authorities or a lawyer for specific guidance on the laws and regulations in your area.
Remember, laws are subject to change, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to carrying any type of knife.
